Research Director

Graham for Maine; Maine; On-site; USD 78,120 - 122,760; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Collective bargaining agreement

Job summary

Graham for Maine is seeking an experienced Research Director to lead research efforts for the U.S. Senate campaign. The role requires developing comprehensive research strategies and managing the vetting process to provide strategic intelligence against opponents.

The ideal candidate will have proven experience conducting opposition research, be highly organized, and possess strong analytical skills. This position includes a salary range of $7,000–$11,000/month and offers health benefits.

Qualifications

• Proven experience conducting opposition and/or self-research for a federal or high-profile statewide campaign.
• Highly organized and capable of managing tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to work a campaign schedule, including irregular hours.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a detailed opposition research and vetting plan.
• Anticipate opponent lines of attack and build effective defense strategies.
• Conduct exhaustive opposition research using public records and media statements.

Skills

Opposition research

Self-research

Detail-oriented

Analytical skills

Research tools proficiency

Tools

LexisNexis

Westlaw

FEC databases

Media monitoring software

Job description

Salary: $7,000–$11,000/month, based on experience

Start Date: Immediate

Graham Platner for U.S. Senate is looking for an experienced Research Director to lead our research efforts. As Research Director, you will develop and execute a comprehensive research and vetting strategy to ensure the campaign has the strategic intelligence needed to take on billionaire-backed politicians. The ideal candidate will have experience conducting opposition and self‑research for a federal campaign, be highly organized, and bring a sharp, analytical, and rapid‑response approach to political strategy.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a detailed opposition research, self‑research, and vetting plan.
• Coordinate with campaign leadership (Communications, Digital, and Policy) to align research findings with the campaign’s daily messaging and long‑term strategy.
• Anticipate opponent lines of attack and build comprehensive defense strategies and rapid‑response toolkits.

Research Execution & Fact-Checking

• Conduct exhaustive opposition research on public records, voting records, financial disclosures, corporate ties, and media statements.
• Manage the campaign’s vetting process for surrogates, major donors, events, and policy proposals to mitigate risk.
• Fact‑check campaign materials, including press releases, TV ads, mail pieces, and digital content, ensuring absolute accuracy under pressure.
• Maintain an organized, secure, and easily searchable research database (books, briefings, and backup clips).

Qualifications

• Proven experience conducting opposition and/or self‑research for a federal or high‑profile statewide campaign.
• Highly organized, detail‑oriented, and capable of managing tight deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Proficiency with research tools (e.g., LexisNexis, Westlaw, FEC databases, public records requests/FOIA, and media monitoring software).
• Willingness to work a campaign schedule, including irregular hours and rapid‑response situations.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range of $7,000–$11,000/month, depending on experience.
• Health benefits available.
• This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and is part of the campaign’s bargaining unit.

Graham for Maine is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, sex, race, religion or belief, gender, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, or sexual orientation.